&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "FIFA World Cup 2026: Ancelotti confirms Neymar is fit for Brazil's clash against Norway")
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar is fully fit and available for selection ahead of Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Norway. The coach also said the forward is unhappy about spending most of his time on the bench and wants to play more, adding that such a feeling is normal for any player. After recovering from a right calf injury, Neymar is expected to play a bigger role in Brazil's campaign, but the 34-year-old has featured for just 14 minutes so far, coming on as a substitute in Brazil's group-stage win over Scotland.
Speaking to Folha de S.Paulo, as quoted by Goal.com, Ancelotti said, “The important thing is that he is available to play. How long he will play, nobody knows. He has the experience to manage his minutes and the tempo of the game. When I feel the team needs him, I will put him on the pitch."
When asked if Neymar is capable of playing a full match, Ancelotti gave a clear answer, “Yes. He can play 90 minutes.”
The Brazil coach also praised Neymar for his attitude and influence in the dressing room and said that the forward is respected by his teammates, trains well and remains an important part of the squad because of both his quality and humble nature.
"He is training very well. Neymar is highly respectful, amiable, and loved by his teammates. He is an important character in the squad because he possesses immense quality and is a very humble person. I am very happy with him. And obviously, he wants to play, just as he always has," he said.
Trending Stories
)
Nigerian Navy discovers 99,000 litres of suspected stolen, illegally refined products as it intensifies anti-crude oil theft operations
)
Man pushes Russian humanoid robot. Watch what happens next
)
Coast Guard jet carrying DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin makes emergency landing after engine failure
)
Who is Aditi Paudel? 17-year-old becomes Japan's first literacy ambassador
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How the Su-30MKI flies up to 8,000 kilometres using mid-air refueling
)
Trump says he’s ‘happy’ Harry and Meghan left US , calls them disrespectful
)
Chaos in Ukraine's Kyiv: Zelensky calls shootout between spy services 'absolutely shameful'
)
Harry Potter and the Philosophers' Stone: New trailer reveals fresh look at Hogwarts, sorting ceremony and iconic moments to life
)
Pakistan faces growing hunger crisis amid rising food insecurity
)
Belgium, latest EU state cautioned by India over arms for Pakistan; gets assurances from Brussels
)
Houthis target Yemen with ballistic missiles, Yemeni army downs several drones
)
The Odyssey star Elliot Page opens up about struggling to land his next acting role after starring in Christopher Nolan film
)
No selfies with God, no reels inside: Tamil Nadu CM bans smartphones in temples | Gravitas
)
Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who shot down Pak fighter jet retires, takes up private job
)
Report: Egypt eyes new Rafale F4 deal amid air force modernisation push
)
Rubio on Modi-Pezeshkian meeting: 'No country should help Iran evade sanctions'
)
High Xylitol levels in blood linked to cardiovascular risk
)
WION Exclusive: Hasina says she reads father’s unfinished memoir while planning Dhaka return
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the Su-30MKI uses a giant air brake on its back instead of its wings
)
Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy creates history with 350 not out in South Africa
)
Beginning of the end? More glacial lake outbursts threaten millions in India, Nepal and China
)
India's data centre boom: AI boom fuels $31.6 trillion data race
)
Trump suggests renaming Strait of Hormuz to ‘Trump Strait’
)
Pakistanis are eating less. What they are eating instead is even more alarming
)
Nepal floods: 1,204 dead, 4,216 missing as tearful relatives pray for the missing
)
EU and NATO step up pressure on Russia after Germany ‘escalation incidents’
)
ISRO EOS-05 launch: GSLV to lift heaviest payload in its 25-year flight history
)
Husband uses secret camera to record wife’s affair, wins divorce case, ends up in jail for spying
)
At least 2 killed in Minneapolis shooting, suspect also dead
)
Manipur violence: 25 houses torched in Manipur’s Kangpokpi a day after 10 homes were burnt along Imphal-Tamenglong road
)
US Mint releases $1 coins featuring Donald Trump, priced up to $154.50
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the glass canopy on the Su-30MKI has a distinct golden tint
)
India to host inaugural 2027 Women's Champions Trophy across Mumbai and Vadodara
)
Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live on Zee5 Photograph: (WION)
Ancelotti added that Neymar has not directly asked to start games, but it is obvious that he wants to be on the field. He said that this is a positive sign because no player enjoys sitting on the bench.
Brazil will next face Norway, led by Erling Haaland, in an exciting World Cup match in New Jersey on Jul 6 at 1:30 AM IST.
With inputs from agencies
